Traveling to America is set to become costlier for Indians. The Donald Trump administration has announced a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 (around ₹22,000), effective from October 1.
With this addition, the total cost of a US visa will now be about $442 (around ₹40,000). This extra fee will directly affect Indian travelers planning trips to the United States.
The US visa process is already expensive and time-consuming, and this new fee will make it even more challenging for ordinary Indians.
Decline in Indian Tourists and Students
According to the US Travel Association, higher visa costs are expected to reduce travel from India even further.
Travel from India to the US has already dropped by 2.5%.
The number of Indian students has also decreased by 18% this year, creating concerns for American colleges that rely heavily on international students.
Strict policies under the Trump administration have worsened the situation for both tourists and students.
Bond Requirement of $15,000
In addition to the new visa fee, the Trump administration has introduced a bond plan of $15,000 (around ₹12.5 lakh) to prevent overstaying.
This bond may apply to student visas, cultural exchange visitors, media personnel, tourists, and business travelers.
A pilot project for this policy began on August 20.
The goal is to ensure that travelers do not remain in the US beyond their visa period.
Impact on Tourism and Education
The combination of higher fees and a heavy bond requirement is a big challenge for Indians.
Visa cost: around ₹40,000.
Possible bond: up to ₹12.5 lakh.
This move will impact not only tourists and business travelers but also Indian students planning higher education in the US.
Experts believe the policy could harm the US travel industry, with fewer foreign tourists affecting hotels, airlines, and the entire tourism sector.
Interview Waiver Program Changes
From September 2, 2025, the US Department of State will reduce the scope of the Interview Waiver Program (Dropbox).
Most applicants who earlier got visas without an interview will now need an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Affected visa categories: H, L, F, M, J, E, O.
Age exemptions removed: Children under 14 and adults over 79 must also attend interviews.
What Remains Unchanged
Visa fee validity: Payments will still be valid for 365 days.
Appointment scheduling: Applicants can continue to book through the official portal.
Required documents: No changes in the list of documents needed.
